Michelle Opitz

Born in Japan and raised in Hawaii, Film Writer/Director/Producer Michelle Opitz has had the honor of studying under directors John Badham (Saturday Night Fever) and Mark Rydell (On Golden Pond) as a Marion Knott Scholar. She studied directing at the prestigious American Film Institute and Chapman University. Her feature film debut, Between the Miles, screened at five festivals, winning two awards including Best Film and Best Actress. Her films and documentaries circulate film festivals, winning awards and acclaim. To date, she has produced over five feature films. Michelle's diverse background draws her toward unique projects. As a Japanese-American filmmaker, she strives to tell stories that showcase a more diverse representation of Asian-Americans on the big screen. In addition to writing and directing her own films, Michelle teaches film and involves herself in projects she passionately believes in.